By Tony O’Reilly-
The UK government has announced a funding injection of £148.4 million to build or purchase an estimated 1,230 homes aimed at addressing the escalating crisis of rough sleeping across Britain.
Close to 350 homes are to be built following a record-high number of people recorded rough sleeping in the capital, as more than 4,000 people were counted on the streets by outreach teams between July and September
Under the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme, almost 50 local authorities and housing providers will receive financial support to provide stable, long-term accommodation for individuals with a history of rough sleeping or those at risk of homelessness.
This comprehensive initiative, rolled out by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC), is designed not only to create housing solutions but also to fund support services for vulnerable adults.
These new services also include round the clock support for the most vulnerable, with access to specialist teams where people can address substance misuse, domestic violence and abuse or improve their wellbeing and mental health, the Department said.
The services encompass purpose-built accommodation, supported housing, and financial aid for building repairs and renovations.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) announced on Tuesday that it has so far allocated £52m to Greater London from a £200m national programme aimed at tackling the problem.
The funding has been strategically allocated to 46 local authorities and housing providers in areas deemed to be in the greatest need. Key beneficiaries include Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Council, receiving £9.9 million; Leeds County Council, allocated £6.4 million; and Manchester Council, securing £5.2 million.
Worthing Homes in Sussex is set to receive £4 million for the delivery of 34 homes, communal rooms for group therapy, and a homeless drop-in center.
Meanwhile, the Homeless Action Resource Project in Southend-on-Sea will be granted £3.3 million to develop 32 homes by redeveloping and retrofitting existing properties.
Felicity Buchan, Minister for Housing and Homelessness at DLUHC, expressed the government’s commitment to providing a safe haven for those experiencing homelessness.
She emphasized that the funding would not only create housing solutions but also offer tailored support to help individuals rebuild their lives and transition to independent living.
In a parallel effort to combat rough sleeping, the DLUHC has allocated £52 million to Greater London from a £200 million national program.
This funding is part of the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme and is expected to result in the construction of 347 homes for people with a history of rough sleeping or those at risk of homelessness in the capital.
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, welcomed the funding, highlighting its potential to make a substantial and lasting difference for hundreds of people in the capital.
Copley stressed the importance of delivering vital support services alongside home-building to address the diverse needs of London’s rough sleepers.
The funding announcements come at a critical time, with a record-high number of people recorded sleeping rough in London between July and September. The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) reported 4,068 rough sleepers during this period, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
The government’s commitment to the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme represents a significant step toward addressing this crisis and providing essential support to vulnerable individuals seeking a way out of homelessness.